Teachers College - Jobs - Job Details - Staff Accountant

Job Summary/Basic Function:

Reporting to the Investment and Treasury Accounting Manager, this position is responsible for managing, recording, and reconciling cash and equivalent transactions in the general ledger, as well as supporting the accounting and finance operations at the College.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reconciliations and General Accounting Operations:  

• Prepare monthly operating and short-term bank account reconciliations.
• Research and resolve inquiries, discrepancies and outstanding reconciling items.
• Monitor and analyze daily cash activities and transactions and assess cash position to ensure adequate operating reserves and liquidity.
• Work collaboratively with College and external constituents to ensure timely identification and accurate recording and reporting of transactions.
• Responsible for manual electronic payment processing, including input, and execution of transactions, monitoring and collaboration with the Accounts Payable team to ensure full compliance with policies and procedures.
• Support the month-end and year-end closing processes including, but not limited to, general ledger account analysis and reconciliations, preparation of schedules and compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Assist with continuous improvement of business processes impacting bank account activities, other transactions and support the evolving needs of the department and College.

Collaboration: 

• Foster collaborative relationships between the Controller’s Office and other College departments by providing accounting and financial guidance and support to facilitate projects and initiatives.

Other duties as assigned 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance.
• 2 years’ experience in general accounting operations, financial reporting and/or related areas.
• Experience preparing bank reconciliation and other financial account analysis and demonstrating a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite, particularly Excel, and the ability to leverage technology to improve financial processes and reporting.
• Analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a dynamic team-oriented environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in the higher education or not-for-profit sectors.
• Ability to demonstrate an understanding of the general financial operations and compliance requirements in these environments.
• Familiarity with Ellucian Banner financial systems or similar platforms.

Salary Range:

$73,000-$80,000

Work Modality:

Hybrid

Competitive Compensation and Benefits

The salary range reflects the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation for the position at the time of the job posting.  Salary decisions are dependent on several factors including but not limited to market and organizational considerations, experience, and qualifications of a selected candidate as well as internal and external equity.

Our benefits contribute significantly to the total compensation package that includes medical, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance plans; flexible and hybrid work schedules; tuition remission; life insurance; short and long-term disability insurance; an exceptional employer retirement matching program; health savings accounts (HSA), flexible spending accounts (FSA), Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, and a robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

If you would like to request any disability-related accommodations to complete the job application or to participate in the interview process, please email: oasid@tc.columbia.edu.

Hybrid/Remote

Teachers College maintains a hybrid work environment, which provides employees with flexible work arrangements while ensuring we preserve the important aspects of our unique in-person college-campus culture. Depending on role and business needs, colleagues will either work onsite or in a hybrid model (a combination of in-office and virtual days). Employees are expected to live within a 150-mile radius of the College.  

We will consider qualified candidates that reside beyond this radius based on the responsibilities and duties expected of the position.  All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.